About the event
The Bear is Back! The award-winning National Black Bear Festival is excited to announce that we are in the planning stages for our annual event on Friday evening, June 5th and all day on Saturday, June 6th, 2026. As always, this year's Bear Festival will be full of fun and surprises as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday.
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Dates
Jun 05, 2026 · 4:00 PM - Jun 06, 2026 · 10:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Location
North Carolina, United States
111 W Water St, Plymouth, North Carolina 27962-1329, United States
Directions
Parking instructions
Free parking areas are designated with signs surrounding the downtown area. Festival overflow parking is available at the Roses parking lot on Hwy 64 east. Shuttle buses are available throughout the day from Roses to the festival entrance. Parking areas are also identified on the festival map located on or our National Bear Festival website.
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Health & safety
* Please stay hydrated
* Wear clothes that will help you to stay
cool.
* Notify 911, a volunteer or onsite EMS for
medical needs.
* Apply sunscreen.
* Seek shade to prevent overheating.
* Sidewalks will be hot. Remember pets
should spend limited time on the
concrete and asphalt. Keep pets
watered.
* Pets must be on a leash.
* If you see suspicious activity, please
notify law enforcement immediately.
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Tickets
Price: $25.00-55.00 + Applicable Fees and Taxes
Bear Tours 2052
Other
(Church Bus) Bear Tour: Friday Afternoon,June 5th: 6:00 pm
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
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Ticket redeem location
905 Washington St. Plymouth, NC 27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 05, 2026 6:00 pm - Jun 05, 2026 9:00 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 05th, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT
Deliverables
Exclusive Bear Tour Hats are HERE!!! Choose from khaki, red or mint!
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
(Museum Bus) Bear Tour: Friday Afternoon, June 5th: 6:00 pm
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
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Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Few tickets remaining
Ticket redeem location
905 Washington St. Plymouth, NC 27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 05, 2026 6:00 pm - Jun 05, 2026 9:00 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 05th, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT
Deliverables
Exclusive Bear Tour Hats are HERE!!! Choose from khaki, red or mint!
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
(Church Bus) Bear Tour: Saturday Morning, June 6th: 6:00 am
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
905 Washington St. Plymouth, NC 27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 6:00 am - Jun 06, 2026 9:00 am EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 5:00 am EDT
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
(Museum Bus) Bear Tour: Saturday Morning, June 6th: 6:00 am
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
905 Washington St. Plymouth, NC 27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 6:00 am - Jun 06, 2026 9:00 am EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 6:00 am EDT
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
(Church Bus) Bear Tour: Saturday Morning, June 6th: 10:00 am
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
368 Us 64 Plymouth, Nc27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 10:00 am - Jun 06, 2026 1:00 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 8:00 am EDT
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
(Museum Bus) Bear Tour: Saturday Afternoon, June 6th: 1:30 pm
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
368 Us 64 Plymouth, Nc27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 1:30 pm - Jun 06, 2026 4:00 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
(Church Bus) Bear Tour: Saturday Evening, June 6th: 6:00 pm
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
368 Us 64 Plymouth, Nc27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 5:00 pm - Jun 06, 2026 9:00 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours including travel time.
(Museum Bus) Bear Tour: Saturday Evening, June 6th: 6:00 pm
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
905 Washington St. Plymouth, NC 27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 05, 2026 5:00 pm - Jun 06, 2026 9:00 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
(Church Bus) Bear Tour: Sunday Morning, June 7th: 5:30 am
$48.15
Includes Base Price: $45.00, Processing fees: $3.15
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
905 Washington St. Plymouth, NC 27962
Ticket date & time
Jun 07, 2026 5:30 am - Jun 07, 2026 8:30 am EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 11:00 pm EDT
Description
The tour will take you on a journey on the refuge with the greatest potential for seeing the black bears that have come to call Pocosin Lakes their home, with unique opportunities to see an array of wildlife and the beauty of nature, at various locations. Tour time is approximately 3 hours, including travel.
Bear Tour Hat
$25.00
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
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Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
111 W Water St, Plymouth
North Carolina 27962-1329, United States
North Carolina 27962-1329, United States
Ticket date & time
May 01, 2026 9:00 am - Jun 06, 2026 8:00 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 6:00 pm EDT
Description
You have the unique opportunity to have the Bear Tours HAT just because you are taking a bear tour!!! Only those that have a 2026 Bear Tour ticket can buy a hat.
Select from Khaki, Forest Green, Hot Pink, Red or Teal and have your hat waiting for you on your Tour!
Let everyone at festival know that you have been on the tour!
Friday, June 5th, 5:00 PM * Albemarle Queen River Cruise*
$26.90
Includes Base Price: $25.00, Processing fees: $1.90
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
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Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 05, 2026 5:00 pm - Jun 05, 2026 6:30 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 05th, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat.
Each ticket will provide a one hour cruise.
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
Limited tickets available at the dock.
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Friday, June 5th, 7:00 PM * Albemarle Queen River Cruise*
$26.90
Includes Base Price: $25.00, Processing fees: $1.90
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 05, 2026 7:00 pm - Jun 05, 2026 8:30 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 05th, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat.
Each ticket will provide a one- hour cruise.
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
Limited number of tickets available for purchase at the dock.
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Saturday, June 6th, 10:00 AM * Albemarle Queen River Cruise*
$26.90
Includes Base Price: $25.00, Processing fees: $1.90
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 10:00 am - Jun 06, 2026 11:30 am EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 9:00 am EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat.
Each ticket will provide a one-hour cruise .
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Saturday, June 6th, 1:00 PM * Albemarle Queen River Cruise*
$26.90
Includes Base Price: $25.00, Processing fees: $1.90
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 1:00 pm - Jun 06, 2026 2:30 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat.
Each ticket will provide a one-hour cruise.
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Saturday, June 6th, 5:00 PM * Albemarle Queen River Cruise*
$26.90
Includes Base Price: $25.00, Processing fees: $1.90
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 06, 2026 5:00 pm - Jun 06, 2026 6:30 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat.
Each ticket will provide a one-hour.
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
Limited number of tickets available at doick.
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Saturday, June 6th, 8:00 PM * Albemarle Queen Firework Cruise*
$53.46
Includes Base Price: $50.00, Processing fees: $3.46
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 07, 2026 8:00 pm - Jun 07, 2026 9:30 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 06th, 2026 at 7:00 pm EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat, then remain on the boat to watch the fireworks over the river.
Each ticket will provide a one-hour cruise.
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
Limited number of tickets available at the dock.
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Sunday, June 7th, 3:00 PM * Albemarle Queen River Cruise*
$26.90
Includes Base Price: $25.00, Processing fees: $1.90
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 07, 2026 3:00 pm - Jun 07, 2026 4:30 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 07th, 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat.
Each ticket will provide a one-hour cruise.
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
Limited number of tickets available at dock.
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Sunday, June 7th, 6:00 PM * Albemarle Queen *Dinner Cruise*
$58.78
Includes Base Price: $55.00, Processing fees: $3.78
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
View more
Choose time slots for the selected tickets to continue
Ticket redeem location
Dock behind Plymouth Police Dept.
Ticket date & time
Jun 07, 2026 6:00 pm - Jun 07, 2026 7:30 pm EDT
Sale end date
June 01st, 2026 at 5:00 pm EDT
Description
Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise the Roanoke Delta on the lovely Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel boat.
Each ticket will provide a one-and-a-half-hour cruise with dinner. Sponsored in partnership with the National Black Bear Festival.
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) will be available for purchase.
Pre-purchased tickets only!
Catered by T&T Catering , Hertford, NC
There are restrooms on the boat.
Life jackets are provided.
None of the boats are handicapped accessible.
Volunteers
Interested in applying:
11 active applications
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
To ensure that crowd control is adhered to within the museum and that displays are not touched.
Requires standing and walking.
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Responsible for ticket sales, getting waivers signed and line control.
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
The Parrish house will be a resting and cool off spot for Sponsors and Vendors during the festival. Volunteers will
greet and hand out water to the Sponsors and Vendors using the facility. Some clean up will be required. Location is air conditioned.
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Ask visitors to "Sign the Bear" with their name and town they are from.
See if they would like to enter for a chance to win our "Cody Bear"
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Responsible for selling and collecting money for all Official Festival Merchandise. (Tee shirts, Stuffed Bears, Etc.)
Cash, Credit Card handling and accurately make change. Accurately calculate purchase totals.
Suggestive selling appreciated. Retail experience is helpful.
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Take down of all tents, tables, chairs, signs and store at appointed place.
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Assist in setting up signs throughout Plymouth. Banners, Road Signs, Tent signs
Will need own transportation
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Block captains. Captains will be assigned a block to monitor when vendors are checking in. Responsibilities include making sure vendors drop off merchandise and/or trailer, go to designated parking area, come back and set up in their designated area ONLY! Assist with any needs, questions or problems their assigned vendors may have. Report any problems to Director or Vendor Coordinator.
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
This position requires someone who is organized and detail oriented. You will be selling tickets for the boat rides. Cash handling and credit card sales are the main part of this position. Monitoring the sales so we don't over sell the boat's capacity.
Deadline:
May 22, 2026
Responsible for keeping Kids Zone running smoothly. Notify proper departments of any issues that may occur.
Donate
Deadline:
Jun 07, 2026
The National Black Bear Festival is a 501c3 non-profit organization established to provide education about our local treasure, the black bear. We strive to make all of the entertainment free or little cost as possible to the public of all ages. This is only established with the help from everyone...including you! Please give as you are lead. Any questions, please contact Bradley or Robin at 252-793-6627.
Terms & Conditions
* All visitors are expected to abide by the
rules of the festival.
* Vendors must be respectful, honest
and must abide by festival rules that
are outlined in the vendor application.
* Volunteers and Staff must be helpful
respectful and abide by rules set forth
on the volunteer application.
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Hosted by National Black Bear Festival
Joined Eventeny in August 2019